Heterogeneously-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of furfural to furancarboxylic acid with CuO-Promoted MnO2

A cost-effective and sustainable noble-metal free catalyst system based on ubiquitously available Mn–Cu bimetallic oxides was served as efficient catalysts for furfural selective oxidation to furancarboxylic acid (FA). Interestingly, Mn2Cu1Ox exhibited an excellent furfural conversion of 99% with quantitative selectivity toward FA. Especially, we demonstrate the significant weakening of the Mn–O bonds with the incorporation of CuO into the Mn–Cu oxides, resulting in an improved OL reactivity of Mn2Cu1Ox, which brings about a higher catalytic activity for furfural oxidation. More importantly, Mn2Cu1Ox could exhibit YFA>90% over 5 cycles of reusability test. Through this study, the relationship between the morphology, surface chemistry, and catalytic activity of Mn–Cu bimetallic oxides are elucidated, providing a simple and environmentally friendly catalytic strategy and scientific basis for the development of Mn–Cu bimetallic oxides bioderived molecular aerobic oxidation materials